No Silvanus.
The sub-rail ran all night at the weekends, so I hurried down the steps of Bullpond Station, grabbing the first train back to Weatherby.
Thank Aidan for guiding me.
The train sped away, still no sign of a single vampire. I sank into the seat, the weight of the night pressing down on me again. The crush of failure, the regret a heavy boot on my head.
So much for being positive.
Tears spilled down my cheeks, hot with disappointment.
Dammit.
“Come on now,” I told myself. “Enough of this.”
It took a good ten minutes for the tears to stop.
“Caramel shortbread awaits.”
My broiling stomach wasn’t sure it could handle any food right now. Only a cig and a beer after I got away from this damn city.
I shivered, wrapping my arms around myself. I was a little chilly in this outfit, nipples at full attention. More than ready for my slippers and PJs.
Man, I hoped Hal was okay. Nothing connected us, right? Unless Silvanus picked up on something. Shit. Should I go back for him?
No. Home would be best. He’d head there, too.
He’s okay.
He’s okay.
He’s okay.
With plenty of haste after alighting the train, I stepped into an empty flat, my flowers kissing me hello.
“I love you too, sweeties,” I whispered, turning on the living room light.
Silvanus stood by the bookcase, holding Oliver the orchid.
Oh. Shit.
CHAPTER NINE
PARIS
Ice filled my veins, my feet stuck to the floor. “What… How did you get here?”
Fuckety, fuckety, fuck!
The vampire king, back in his jacket, examined my precious flower. “Elves are wonderfully curious creatures.”
Really, prick?“Can’t return the compliment.”
He kept his eyes on my prized sweetie. “Orchids are difficult to care for, I hear.”
“You heard right, so put it down before I put you down.”
He smiled, lifting his eyes to me. “I think we’ve established you can’t.”
